There aren't many true bronzing gels available—most are lotion-based or are infused with shimmer (even though a real tan doesn't shine). Clinique For Men™'s Face Bronzer is a water-based gel that is suitable for any skin type, but it's sheer formula will be especially appreciated by those with oily and/or acne-prone skin. Plus, it's fragrance-free, a rarity for bronzers.

The chestnut brown color looks intimidating as it comes out of the tube, but it ends up looking exceptionally natural on the skin. It's best for those with fair to medium skin tones, but whether you prefer this to a bronzing powder (which is easier to control) is your personal preference.

Regarding application: Like most water-based bronzers (or blush), this dries rather quickly, leaving you little time to work, which in turn can result in a spotty finish if you aren't careful—this is especially true for dry patches of skin. We recommend you avoid applying the gel directly to your skin out of the tube, opting for a patting method with your fingers (or a dense foundation or blending brush) instead.

One last note: Although we know most guys don't wear foundation, just in case, this can "grab" onto matte-finish foundations, so consider going for a bare skin application (applied carefully over your sunscreen) or applying it over a non-mattifying tinted moisturizer.

Pros:

Water-based gel formula that's ideal for oily and/or acne-prone skin.

Fragrance free.

Blends to a beautiful, natural tan appearance.

Cons:

True of any water-based bronzer or blush, you've got to blend quickly to avoid a spotty finish.

I discovered this based on a recommendation from this site, and it's spot on! I love using mineral sunscreens, but as a man options are limited on ways to make it less ghost-like. Just mixing a small amount into my sunscreens yields a very natural and non made up look, it's great!

Translucent and red/brown in tone, the color is so believable, not orange at all. The gel is super concentrated, sowith daily sunscreen, you can adjust the concentration and it applies easily this way. I do find when I apply the gel alone, it tends to leave my skin shiny, so better with a matte sunscreen (such as Neutrogena). As I said, it's translucent, so it will not cover anything but blends naturally. Warning- if you have blemishes or flakes, it will darken these patches until washed off.

Estee Lauder-owned Clinique launched the concept of cosmetics being "allergy-tested," "hypoallergenic," "100% fragrance-free," and "dermatologist tested." Of those marketing claims, the only one with significance is "100% fragrance-free," which, for the most part, Clinique maintains (although it does add some fragrant extracts to a few products). Unfortunately, terms like “hypoallergenic” and “dermatologist tested” aren’t regulated by the FDA and can mean anything—thus, you still need to rely on the ingredient list to tell you whether their product contains any ingredients with the potential to irritate skin.

That inconvenient fact aside, Clinique is leading the way with cutting-edge, state-of-the-art moisturizers and serums, plus some formidable makeup and more than a few excellent sunscreens. While Clinique has some products that we see as missteps for reasons discussed in their reviews, more than ever, what they offer is quite good (just have realistic expectations, as some of their claims go beyond what their products are capable of).

Turning to makeup, Clinique continues to offer a vast palette of colors and textures, especially with their enormous selection of foundations—many of which feature effective sunscreens. Without a doubt, the numerous formulas offer something for every skin type and almost every skin color—though the blushes, eye makeup and lip colors are frequently not pigmented enough for deeper skin tones.

The bottom line is that, despite a few shortcomings, Clinique is one of the most comprehensive (and comparably affordable) department-store makeup lines, and it is completely understandable why they enjoy such broad appeal.

Note: Clinique is categorized as one that tests on animals because their products are sold in China. Although Clinique does not conduct animal testing for their products sold elsewhere, the Chinese government requires imported cosmetics be tested on animals, so foreign companies retailing there must comply. This requirement is why some brand’s state that they don’t test on animals “unless required by law”. Animal rights organizations consider cosmetic companies retailed in China to be brands that test on animals, and so does the Beautypedia Team.

For more information about Clinique, call (800) 419-4041 or visit www.clinique.com.

About the Experts

The Beautypedia and Paula’s Choice Research teams have one mission: To help you find the best products for your skin, whether they’re from Paula’s Choice or another brand. By combining efforts, we’re able to share scientific research and remain committed to the highest standards based on our decades of experience objectively reviewing thousands upon thousands of skincare and makeup formularies in all price ranges.

Beautypedia cuts through the hype to bring you product insights and recommendations you won’t find anywhere else!

Estee Lauder-owned Clinique launched the concept of cosmetics being "allergy-tested," "hypoallergenic," "100% fragrance-free," and "dermatologist tested." Of those marketing claims, the only one with significance is "100% fragrance-free," which, for the most part, Clinique maintains (although it does add some fragrant extracts to a few products). Unfortunately, terms like “hypoallergenic” and “dermatologist tested” aren’t regulated by the FDA and can mean anything—thus, you still need to rely on the ingredient list to tell you whether their product contains any ingredients with the potential to irritate skin.

That inconvenient fact aside, Clinique is leading the way with cutting-edge, state-of-the-art moisturizers and serums, plus some formidable makeup and more than a few excellent sunscreens. While Clinique has some products that we see as missteps for reasons discussed in their reviews, more than ever, what they offer is quite good (just have realistic expectations, as some of their claims go beyond what their products are capable of).

Turning to makeup, Clinique continues to offer a vast palette of colors and textures, especially with their enormous selection of foundations—many of which feature effective sunscreens. Without a doubt, the numerous formulas offer something for every skin type and almost every skin color—though the blushes, eye makeup and lip colors are frequently not pigmented enough for deeper skin tones.

The bottom line is that, despite a few shortcomings, Clinique is one of the most comprehensive (and comparably affordable) department-store makeup lines, and it is completely understandable why they enjoy such broad appeal.

Note: Clinique is categorized as one that tests on animals because their products are sold in China. Although Clinique does not conduct animal testing for their products sold elsewhere, the Chinese government requires imported cosmetics be tested on animals, so foreign companies retailing there must comply. This requirement is why some brand’s state that they don’t test on animals “unless required by law”. Animal rights organizations consider cosmetic companies retailed in China to be brands that test on animals, and so does the Beautypedia Team.

For more information about Clinique, call (800) 419-4041 or visit www.clinique.com.

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